American Airlines Employees Decide to Keep New Tail Logo Design

Last Thursday, American Airlines CEO Doug Parker announced that employees have voted to keep the new flag-themed tail design in place.

More than 60,000 employees voted, with about 52% saying they prefer the new design, which was unveiled last January.

“It was very close but the majority has spoken and the new flag tail will proudly represent American Airlines – and all of us – for years to come,” Parker said in a letter to employees.

Employees had three weeks to vote between the new design—with red, white and blue stripes painted on the tails– and the classic American Airlines logo that has been around since 1968.

“As I said early in this process, I was indifferent as to which option we chose, I just wanted you to be able to choose,” Parker wrote. “Now that the votes are in, I’m really pleased to have a firm decision we can all embrace. This is the airplane we will fly as we restore American to the greatest airline in the world — and that is exciting.

Parker says it will take months to paint all the aircraft. The 580 US Airways aircraft will be painted first, he said.

“Those aircraft will be the priority which means the remaining classic Silverbirds will still be flying for some time,” he wrote.

Another 539 American aircraft will also have to be painted. But some heritage aircraft will remain with the old AA logo.

It takes 13 to 17 days for the paint to dry on a widebody jet. Express aircraft take seven to nine days.